Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
Oceania Tuvalu In 2025, all the islands of Tuvalu will have tide forecasts available after the Tuvalu Meteorological Service delivered the calendars to island council representatives for distribution to the islands in December
Europe Monaco In line with its commitment to creating greener infrastructure, the Monegasque government will continue its project to replace and modernise lighting in tunnels with advanced LED lighting systems
Africa Central African Republic Joseph Bendounga, president of the Democratic Movement for the Renaissance and Evolution of Central Africa, died at the Friendship Hospital in Bangui; known for his anti-power positions, he had opposed the amendment of the Constitution last year
Africa Republic of the Congo Heavy rains caused the Bichida River to break its banks as waters rose very quickly; the surrounding fields, saturated with water, turned into a huge lake and the Mbinda-Mayoko road, a stretch of 25 km, became difficult
Oceania Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed into law RPPL 11-40, a comprehensive amendment to the government wage structure, which introduces a 10% across-the-board wage increase for all public and contract employees which will be in force from 1 October 2025
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Home and business owners on Nevis will benefit from new initiatives announced by the Administration aimed at incentivizing the construction sector through expanded concessions on building materials for property renovations, expansions or developments
America Belize The Commissioner of Police announced the 2025 rollout of the national project to build new police stations, renovate existing ones, and improve officer morale, welfare, and service quality nationwide
Oceania Papua New Guinea Duncan Gabi, the leading climate change activist in Papua New Guinea, has estimated that tens of thousands of people have been displaced from the area around Pariva beach due to rising seas, describing it as a 'humanitarian crisis'
Oceania New Zealand 2024 saw a decline in house property value in most of the country, with over -6% reached in bigger cities due to overall market low and high mortgage rates; as lower rates are starting to work through the system, the value decline could be nearing its end
Asia Qatar With major political events occurring in the Middle East, Qatar, a regional diplomatic heavyweight, saw a year 2024 full of political events: from mediation efforts in conflicts to the reopening of its embassy in Damasco following restored ties with Syria
Africa Namibia NamPost and Telecom Namibia will become independent government-owned companies by February, as the complete transfer of all properties of the Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Limited to other stakeholders will be finalised by this month of January 2025
Europe Iceland The Kennel Club will officially recognise the Icelandic sheepdog as a purebred breed in April 2025; the Icelandic sheepdog can trace its roots back some 1.000 years and was even mentioned in a play by William Shakespeare
America Haiti 75 soldiers sent from Guatemala and an advance team of 8 from El Salvador have arrived to join the international mission that is trying to counter criminal gangs supported by the UN and the US and led by Kenya